The Dragons hold the advantage after a horror show from the young Polish shot-stopper...
Porto secured a first leg advantage after defeating Arsenal 2-1 in the Estadio do Dragao this evening - but visiting goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski handed the Portuguese side the win with a dreadful display.
The Pole allowed a Valera cross to fumble over the line before being involved in a calamitous breakdown in communication with Sol Campbell that led to Falcao's winner in the second half.
Campbell had equalised for the Gunners, but now they must turn the tie around in the second leg if they are to progress.
Porto were unbeaten in their last five league matches, and more importantly for coach Jesualdo Ferreira he could once again call on the services of mercurial striker Hulk, for the first time in two months following his ban for allegedly assaulting a steward.
Arsenal, meanwhile, were dogged by a series of injuries to key players, including William Gallas, Manuel Almunia, Andrei Arshavin and long-term victim Robin van Persie. Veteran Sol Campbell was handed his first Champions League experience for three-and-half years in the Gunners’ back line.
It was the Portuguese hosts who did the majority of the early running, and Campbell’s aptitude at this level came under scrutiny in the opening moments. Falcao got the better of him and ran in on goal, but the 35-year-old recovered brilliantly with a perfectly timed, last-ditch tackle.
Moments later, Valera made inroads on the right flank and laid in Hulk, but perhaps the Brazilian's lack of minutes contributed to him dragging his effort wide of Fabianski’s post.
However, Porto’s pressure eventually was awarded, and Arsenal’s young goalkeeper will shoulder the responsibility for a horrendous error. Lauded by Arsene Wenger pre-match, Fabianski let his faithful boss down as he inexplicably spilled Valera’s driven cross into his own-net with no-one in blue and white anywhere near him.
Wenger was dismayed, the Pole dejected – and Arsenal were behind.
The first half was an open, flowing contest, and its offensively-geared nature was instrumental in allowing the Gunners to ease their way slowly back into the contest.
Nicklas Bendtner was hugely unlucky to see a snap shot drift inches wide of the upright, but it wasn’t long before honours were even, and from the most unlikely of sources.
A deep corner eventually found its way to Tomas Rosicky at the back post, and his intelligent header found Sol Campbell unmarked, and he powered the ball past Helton and into the net.
As half-time approached, the frenetic pace slowed slightly, but it didn’t discourage either side from creating chances. Fabianski partially redeemed himself for his aberration by superbly palming a Ruben Micael drive away to safety, while at the other end Helton spectacularly tipped a Bendtner header over the crossbar.
Tempers flared on on the break as Fabregas was heavily involved in a fracas with a number of Porto players, but the referee ushered the players from the pitch, and an exciting first half was brought to a close.
In the opening moments of the second period, two incidents in the space in two minutes were instrumental in shaping the outcome of the contest.
Firstly, Rosicky burst into the area on the right, and was seemingly felled by Alvaro Ferreira in a clumsy fashion. The referee urged the Czech to get to his feet, but subsequent replays showed that Ferreira didn't touch the ball.
As play raced up field, Campbell clearly knocked the ball back to Fabianski with his foot, but the 'keeper incredibly proceeded to gather the ball into his arms. As both he and Campbell protested to the referee at the award of an indirect free kick, Porto got on with the match. Micael snatched the ball and laid it neatly into the path of Falcao, who simply rolled home from ten yards.
It was one of the most bizarre goals seen in recent years in the Champions League, and Arsenal only had themselves to blame in what was becoming a farcical night for the English club.
However, they rallied and pushed forward, playing a procession of passes in and around the Dragons' penalty area without any real penetration. Wenger introduced Theo Walcott and Carlos Vela but their impact, in particular that of the Englishman, was minimal.
Porto were happy to travel to the Emirates with a lead to defend, but Arsenal will be furious that a pair of fundamental errors from their inexperienced goalkeeper contributed to an evening to forget for the Premier League side.
Sursa: www.goal.com
miercuri, 17 februarie 2010
marți, 16 februarie 2010
Lyon 1-0 Real Madrid: Makoun Wonder-Strike Gives Les Gones Deserved Lead
Real Madrid emerged from Stade Gerland with their Champions League ambitions still in tact but it could have been a different story had an excellent Lyon side been more effective in front of goal.
In the end the French side take a one-goal lead to the Bernabeu, thanks to a wonderful strike from Jean Makoun.
Madrid looked out of sorts for most of the first leg as it was the rampant French outfit that played with style, panache and confidence. The Merengues had to rely on an untested alloy of resolute defence and good fortune as Sidney Govou gave Marcelo a lesson down the right wing for the entire first half.
Cristiano Ronaldo provided one of Madrid's few brighter moments of the first half craftily backheeling Xabi Alonso's incisive pass into the path of Gonzalo Higuain but Jean-Alain Boumsong was alert to clear the danger, typifying Lyon's early dominance.
The home side's intensity and commitment had the Spanish outfit on the back foot and a succession of fouls in Madrid territory suggested the hosts were increasingly the more likely to score. The majority of Miralem Pjanic's set pieces were comfortably dealt with though, even Ronaldo dropping back to add his head to the defence of the aerial assault.
Despite some clear opportunities to test Iker Casillas from dead ball situations, Lyon's greatest chance came from a flash of individual brilliance. Cesar Delgado pounced on a half cleared corner but only managed to smash his stunning right footed volley off Casillas' right hand upright with the Madrid 'keeper stunned and rooted to his spot.
Another set piece followed and Panjic's delivery was improving but the quality of finishing left Casillas untested. The French side were in the ascendancy and seemed to be growing in confidence and surely would not have wanted the half-time whistle to sound.
The hosts continued where they left off after the interval and took a deserved lead almost immediately as Makoun fired a stunning effort from 25 yards which dipped and swerved away from the outstretched Casillas before bulging the top right hand corner of the net.
Madrid's midfield continued to be overrun by Lyon's energy and Kaka and Xabi Alonso in particular seemed completely off the pace but Madrid as a whole were tepid at best.
Casillas almost gifted Lyon a two goal cushion ten minutes into the half after his goal kick went no more than 20 yards, straight to an alert Lisandro Lopez. Luckily for Real's custodian, Raul Albiol and Ezequiel Garay were on hand to make it difficult for the Argentine forward, who dragged his effort wide from 16 yards.
Hugo Lloris had to make a fine save as a 20 yard Ronaldo snapshot took a monster deflection and seemed headed for the top corner before France's first choice shot stopper got across to tip it around for a corner.
A fantastic flowing Lyon counterattack moments later came to nothing as Aly Cissokho opted to go it alone only for Casillas to save. Cissokho may have rued not squaring it to one of his better placed team-mates had Lloris not saved excellently from Higuain seconds later.
Lyon's intensity was fading as the half wore on and Ronaldo won a free kick midway through the half. So often the remedy for a lacklustre display from los Blancos, his 22 yard effort fizzled off the wall and safely into the hands of Lloris.
Sergio Ramos could have given Madrid a precious away goal but the versatile defender failed to direct his free header on target from six yards. Ambitious attacking play had turned to valiant rearguard action from the French outfit for the final quarter of an hour and they weathered some late Madrid pressure to take the slenderest of leads to the Bernabeu in a fortnight.
Sursa: http://www.goal.com/
In the end the French side take a one-goal lead to the Bernabeu, thanks to a wonderful strike from Jean Makoun.
Madrid looked out of sorts for most of the first leg as it was the rampant French outfit that played with style, panache and confidence. The Merengues had to rely on an untested alloy of resolute defence and good fortune as Sidney Govou gave Marcelo a lesson down the right wing for the entire first half.
Cristiano Ronaldo provided one of Madrid's few brighter moments of the first half craftily backheeling Xabi Alonso's incisive pass into the path of Gonzalo Higuain but Jean-Alain Boumsong was alert to clear the danger, typifying Lyon's early dominance.
The home side's intensity and commitment had the Spanish outfit on the back foot and a succession of fouls in Madrid territory suggested the hosts were increasingly the more likely to score. The majority of Miralem Pjanic's set pieces were comfortably dealt with though, even Ronaldo dropping back to add his head to the defence of the aerial assault.
Despite some clear opportunities to test Iker Casillas from dead ball situations, Lyon's greatest chance came from a flash of individual brilliance. Cesar Delgado pounced on a half cleared corner but only managed to smash his stunning right footed volley off Casillas' right hand upright with the Madrid 'keeper stunned and rooted to his spot.
Another set piece followed and Panjic's delivery was improving but the quality of finishing left Casillas untested. The French side were in the ascendancy and seemed to be growing in confidence and surely would not have wanted the half-time whistle to sound.
The hosts continued where they left off after the interval and took a deserved lead almost immediately as Makoun fired a stunning effort from 25 yards which dipped and swerved away from the outstretched Casillas before bulging the top right hand corner of the net.
Madrid's midfield continued to be overrun by Lyon's energy and Kaka and Xabi Alonso in particular seemed completely off the pace but Madrid as a whole were tepid at best.
Casillas almost gifted Lyon a two goal cushion ten minutes into the half after his goal kick went no more than 20 yards, straight to an alert Lisandro Lopez. Luckily for Real's custodian, Raul Albiol and Ezequiel Garay were on hand to make it difficult for the Argentine forward, who dragged his effort wide from 16 yards.
Hugo Lloris had to make a fine save as a 20 yard Ronaldo snapshot took a monster deflection and seemed headed for the top corner before France's first choice shot stopper got across to tip it around for a corner.
A fantastic flowing Lyon counterattack moments later came to nothing as Aly Cissokho opted to go it alone only for Casillas to save. Cissokho may have rued not squaring it to one of his better placed team-mates had Lloris not saved excellently from Higuain seconds later.
Lyon's intensity was fading as the half wore on and Ronaldo won a free kick midway through the half. So often the remedy for a lacklustre display from los Blancos, his 22 yard effort fizzled off the wall and safely into the hands of Lloris.
Sergio Ramos could have given Madrid a precious away goal but the versatile defender failed to direct his free header on target from six yards. Ambitious attacking play had turned to valiant rearguard action from the French outfit for the final quarter of an hour and they weathered some late Madrid pressure to take the slenderest of leads to the Bernabeu in a fortnight.
Sursa: http://www.goal.com/
AC Milan 2-3 Manchester United: Wayne Rooney Stars As Red Devils Edge Entertaining Encounter
Milan's future in the Champions League is hanging by the thinnest of threads after going down 3-2 at home to Manchester United. Ronaldinho had put the Italians in front, but a freak goal from Paul Scholes put the Red Devils level before Wayne Rooney scored twice in the second half. Clarence Seedorf halved the deficit late on, while Michael Carrick was sent off.
Alexandre Pato set his stall out for the evening by tricking Patrice Evra and winning a free kick just inside the Manchester United half. David Beckham's delivery wasn't the best, but Evra's clearance went straight to Ronaldinho, who volleyed home via a deflection off Carrick.
The Rossoneri were flying, and Ronaldinho was bringing out the tricks within the first five minutes. The Brazilian then tested Edwin van der Sar with an effort from close range after effortlessly beating Rio Ferdinand, but it was gathered comfortably.
Sir Alex Ferguson was chewing furiously on the sidelines as his side attempted to get into the game, but they should have been two down in the 11th minute. Thiago Silva made a superb run deep into the Red Devils' half to play Luca Antonini in, but the full-back pulled his shot wide of the near post when shooting across goal would have been a better option.
Ji-Sung Park threatened to break into the penalty area but was denied by a superb tackle from Daniele Bonera, before Ferdinand looked to have brought Ronaldinho down on the edge of the box but the referee waved away his protests.
The majority of the pressure was coming from the hosts, and both Evra and Rafael were struggling to deal with the overlapping runs from Antonini and Beckham. Manchester United were not helping themselves by frequently giving the ball away in midfield, and Evans had to make an inch-perfect tackle on Pato on the half hour.
The hosts were made to pay for their missed chances when Manchester United equalised 10 minutes before the break in the most fortunate of circumstances. Darren Fletcher's low ball into the box was aimed at Paul Scholes, who missed his initial shot but the ball hit his standing leg and trickled into the net off the post. It was their first away goal against the Rossoneri.
Just before the break, Park fouled Massimo Ambrosini 25 yards from goal. It was in perfect Beckham territory, but the former Manchester United man hit his effort over the bar. While the visitors looked more dangerous towards the end of the half, the referee called time on the first 45 minutes with the scores at 1-1.
Fletcher had a good opportunity just after the break when Nani chipped a cross in for the Scot to head towards goal from a yard out, but he could only direct the ball wide from a tricky angle. Pato should also have done better with a header as he ghosted away from Evra to get onto the end of substitute Giuseppe Favalli's cross, but failed to hit the target.
Moments later, Van Der Sar made an excellent one-handed save from an Andrea Pirlo piledriver, and the veteran had to dive low to his left to prevent Ronaldinho from restoring the lead on the hour mark.
The ineffective Nani was then replaced, and Ferguson's move paid dividends immediately. Substitute Luis Antonio Valencia beat Favalli on the right hand side before chipping a cross in for Wayne Rooney to head perfectly back across goal into the far corner.
Manchester United sensed that they could gain a stranglehold on the tie by scoring a third, and immediately went in search of a goal. The visitors were knocking it around at will, and Rooney struck another shot off target after a neat step-over from Scholes.
It was merely putting off the inevitable, and in the 75th minute Fletcher floated in a perfect ball between Nesta and Silva for Rooney to head home unchallenged from a few yards out.
Ten minutes later, Milan gave themselves a lifeline. Ronaldinho received a fine ball from Thiago Silva in the penalty area, and he sent in a low cross for Clarence Seedorf to flick home from close range. Seconds later, 'Dinho' sliced open the visitors' defence for Filippo Inzaghi to strike at goal, but it flew over the bar.
It was not the only opportunity the Rossoneri had late on as Ambrosini had a shot blocked from close range before Alessandro Nesta and Thiago Silva tried to head the same ball from the ensuing corner, and the chance was wasted.
Michael Carrick picked up a second yellow card deep in injury time, but Manchester United withstood the late pressure and will take a precious lead to Old Trafford. The Rossoneri, meanwhile, will be regretting their many missed chances.
Sursa: http://www.goal.com/
Alexandre Pato set his stall out for the evening by tricking Patrice Evra and winning a free kick just inside the Manchester United half. David Beckham's delivery wasn't the best, but Evra's clearance went straight to Ronaldinho, who volleyed home via a deflection off Carrick.
The Rossoneri were flying, and Ronaldinho was bringing out the tricks within the first five minutes. The Brazilian then tested Edwin van der Sar with an effort from close range after effortlessly beating Rio Ferdinand, but it was gathered comfortably.
Sir Alex Ferguson was chewing furiously on the sidelines as his side attempted to get into the game, but they should have been two down in the 11th minute. Thiago Silva made a superb run deep into the Red Devils' half to play Luca Antonini in, but the full-back pulled his shot wide of the near post when shooting across goal would have been a better option.
Ji-Sung Park threatened to break into the penalty area but was denied by a superb tackle from Daniele Bonera, before Ferdinand looked to have brought Ronaldinho down on the edge of the box but the referee waved away his protests.
The majority of the pressure was coming from the hosts, and both Evra and Rafael were struggling to deal with the overlapping runs from Antonini and Beckham. Manchester United were not helping themselves by frequently giving the ball away in midfield, and Evans had to make an inch-perfect tackle on Pato on the half hour.
The hosts were made to pay for their missed chances when Manchester United equalised 10 minutes before the break in the most fortunate of circumstances. Darren Fletcher's low ball into the box was aimed at Paul Scholes, who missed his initial shot but the ball hit his standing leg and trickled into the net off the post. It was their first away goal against the Rossoneri.
Just before the break, Park fouled Massimo Ambrosini 25 yards from goal. It was in perfect Beckham territory, but the former Manchester United man hit his effort over the bar. While the visitors looked more dangerous towards the end of the half, the referee called time on the first 45 minutes with the scores at 1-1.
Fletcher had a good opportunity just after the break when Nani chipped a cross in for the Scot to head towards goal from a yard out, but he could only direct the ball wide from a tricky angle. Pato should also have done better with a header as he ghosted away from Evra to get onto the end of substitute Giuseppe Favalli's cross, but failed to hit the target.
Moments later, Van Der Sar made an excellent one-handed save from an Andrea Pirlo piledriver, and the veteran had to dive low to his left to prevent Ronaldinho from restoring the lead on the hour mark.
The ineffective Nani was then replaced, and Ferguson's move paid dividends immediately. Substitute Luis Antonio Valencia beat Favalli on the right hand side before chipping a cross in for Wayne Rooney to head perfectly back across goal into the far corner.
Manchester United sensed that they could gain a stranglehold on the tie by scoring a third, and immediately went in search of a goal. The visitors were knocking it around at will, and Rooney struck another shot off target after a neat step-over from Scholes.
It was merely putting off the inevitable, and in the 75th minute Fletcher floated in a perfect ball between Nesta and Silva for Rooney to head home unchallenged from a few yards out.
Ten minutes later, Milan gave themselves a lifeline. Ronaldinho received a fine ball from Thiago Silva in the penalty area, and he sent in a low cross for Clarence Seedorf to flick home from close range. Seconds later, 'Dinho' sliced open the visitors' defence for Filippo Inzaghi to strike at goal, but it flew over the bar.
It was not the only opportunity the Rossoneri had late on as Ambrosini had a shot blocked from close range before Alessandro Nesta and Thiago Silva tried to head the same ball from the ensuing corner, and the chance was wasted.
Michael Carrick picked up a second yellow card deep in injury time, but Manchester United withstood the late pressure and will take a precious lead to Old Trafford. The Rossoneri, meanwhile, will be regretting their many missed chances.
Sursa: http://www.goal.com/
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